This a great blending of companies and material. Canada's sales agents have always led the way internationally and Mexico is our pick of cinema territory on the rise.

Toronto-based sales and distribution outfit Raven Banner has picked up international rights to Rafa Lara’s historical epic Cinco de Mayo: The Battleand will commence world sales in Cannes.

Directed by young Mexican sensation, Rafa Lara, the $10 million dollar action adventure is the biggest budget Mexican film to date and was released on a record 500 prints in Mexico. U.S. theatrical is through Pantelion/Televisa/Lionsgate. The film took more than $1 million in its first weekend of domestic release last week.

Cinco de Mayo: The Battle chronicles the story of Mexico’s Battle of Puebla, the most important battle in Mexico’s history. When the unbeatable French army invades Mexico to set up a monarchy, General Ignacio Zaragoza played by Kuno Becker (Goal!, From Prada to Nada), must defend the city of Puebla, commanding a poorly armed and outnumbered troop of men. The film, recounts the bravery of a people pushed to the limit, fighting for their nation, their families and their pride. The film features an all-star Mexican cast (Angelica Aragon, Kuno Becker, Mario Zaragoza, Liz Gallardo and Christian Vasquez). The film was produced by Paco Gallastegui, Rafa Lara and executive produced by Televisa CEO, Emilio Azcarraga.

Today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

The deal with Raven Banner was negotiated by Managing partners, Michael Paszt and James Fler and producers Paco Gallastegui and Rafa Lara. The film screens in the Cannes market on May 16.

“This is such an ambitious epic with flawless production values,” says Paszt. “We’re honoured to be bringing the biggest Mexican film of all time to the international marketplace.”

Director, Lara's previous film, La Milagrosa, was sold in more than 50 territories.

About Raven Banner Entertainment

Raven Banner Entertainment is a sales, distribution and production company, based in Toronto, specializing in genre films for the worldwide market. Through its expertise in strategic project management and campaigns, RBE can also assist in any and all capacities of production, from acquisitions, representation, negotiations, marketing management and plans, and sales.